Welcome to
Woodlawn Nature Center

Woodlawn Nature Center is a small Museum of Natural History, nestled in 10 acres of Forest and Meadow land, in the heart Elkhart Indiana. The park is a sanctuary for native flora and fauna. Both the park and museum offer educational opportunities, child development, hiking trails in a wooded setting, an outdoor picnic area, a center for community activities, and so much more.

In 1965, the Woodlawn Nature Council, a not-for-profit organization, was established by Dorthy Greenleaf Boyton to operate a Nature Park on 10 acres of forest land, that she donated to the city of Elkhart. Along with the land Mrs. Boyton also financed a building for the Center.

As a result of Mrs. Boyton's enthusiasm and love for nature, and the efforts of many volunteers since than, area residents and organizations benefit from nature education programs and beautiful exhibits.

Inside The Center

Inside Woodlawn Nature Center you'll find:

• Real Monsters Dinosaur Exhibit: A cave into deep time.
• Native American Collection: View tools, clothing and artifacts of woodland and plains local Native American Tribes.
• Mastodon Exhibit: Imagine the Ice Age as you view Mastodon fossils found in 1971 near Shipshewana, Indiana.
• Nest and Eggs: Woodlawn has a century old egg collection and a variety of birds nest.
• Wildlife Dioramas: Enjoy exhibits that feature mounted birds and animals in their habitat settings.
• Seashell Display: See over 300 species of seashells on display, including a Giant Clam.
• Wetland Wonders Room: Learn about the beauty and benefits of our local wetlands. Find out what YOU can do to help these important declining habitats.
• Wildlife Viewing Window: This beautiful, one-way window allows you to watch birds, squirrels, rabbits and other small animals.
• Nature Library: Search through books and magazines to learn more about our natural environment. Children can play with nature toys and games for enhanced child development.

On the Grounds Outside

Before or after visiting the Woodlawn Nature Center Museum of Natural History Building experience the tranquility and adventure of the wooded hiking trails.

Enjoy the Oak, Cherry, Maple, Sassafras, Hickory, Tulip Tree, and Elm trees. See the colorful wild flowers and wild plants like Trillium, Wild Ginger, Bloodroot, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Virginia Creeper, and Virginia Bluebell that flourish along the trails. There is over a half mile of looping hiking trails with various species of trees marked for guide pamphlets -  showing leaf shape and information about each tree species.

If you walk softly you may catch sight of the Black or Fox Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks, Groundhogs and Cottontail Rabbits. Some have even seen an occasional dear wonder through.

Wild birds that visit on a regular basis are Indiana's State Bird, the Cardinal, also Chickadee, Nuthatch, a variety of Woodpeckers, Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Brown Thrashers and Kinglets.

Closer to the building you can enjoy the picnic areas and benches, a beautiful pond, play ground for the little ones, and you might even see butterflies, dragonflies, and other beautiful insects in the meadow area.

Come to learn about your your place in natural histroy, or just relax and destress in the beautiful nature haven in the city. While you're here on our website use the navigation links, on the upper left side of all pages, to explore more about Woodlawn Nature Center.

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